Alan Meis, Grades 9-10
M.Div. Theology
B.S. Religion
Mr. Meis has 16 years of experience teaching at the high school level. His gift for communication and need analysis are part of what has enabled him to develop a successful classroom environment. He facilitates skill development in carefulness, attention to detail, and perseverance which lay the foundation for achieving academic success at the secondary level.
"My top priority is for my students to have a real relationship with Jesus and to grow spiritually," says Mr. Meis.
Emmy Rodriguez Harris, Principal, Grades 6-8
M.Ed. English and Curriculum Instruction
B.S.O.E. Human Services and Criminal Justice
Mrs. Harris has 16 years of experience teaching in multiple grade levels. She enjoys creating innovative, inquiry-based lessons that challenge her students to actively take leadership for their own learning. She incorporates collaborative sessions into the classroom, allowing students to learn new strategies and more diverse ways of thinking by working together. She also prioritizes a positive classroom environment while integrating faith and learning.
“The Bible tells us to train up our children and teach the next generation. As such, one of my greatest desires and joys in life is to be part of that process. I absolutely love it,” Mrs. Harris says. “There are simply no words that can truly describe my joy in knowing that God is allowing me the privilege to partner with Him in the training up of our next generation. While there are many ways that we can help influence our young people for Christ, Christian education gives me a front row seat.”
Laura Frary, Grades 3-5
M.S. Education, Reading and Literacy
B.S. Elementary Education
Mrs. Frary has 12 years of experience teaching grades K-5. She has also been actively involved in kids' ministries at Camp Au Sable, tutoring at Andrews University's Student Success Center, and providing training as team lead at Michigan's Adventure.
"Why am I passionate about teaching? I've wanted to be a teacher since I first started school in kindergarten," Mrs. Frary says. "I love learning, and I enjoy sharing that with my kids. The classes I enjoyed the most in school were taught by teachers who you could tell were passionate about the content they were teaching. I strive to be like those teachers every day."
Nicki Grimsley, Grades K-2
M.S. Reading and Literacy
B.S. Elementary Education
Mrs. Grimsley has 17 years of experience teaching grades K-2 that includes serving as an inclusion teacher for students with special needs. She has a talent for developing multi-sensory lessons that capture children's imaginations while ensuring that each one's learning style and abilities are met. In addition, her positive classroom management promotes student responsibility while building children's confidence.
"I feel truly blessed to teach the grades I love in a Christ-centered environment," Mrs. Grimsley says. "My goal is that every student will love learning and look forward to coming to school. I pray they each will realize how much their teachers care for them and more importantly, that they have a Savior in Heaven who loves them more than they can possibly know."
Kari Buell, Music & Outdoor Education
M.S.Ed. Outdoor Education B.S. Elementary Education, Minor in Reading and Integrated Science
Mrs. Buell has 8 years of experience teaching at the elementary level. Her musical talents range from playing ukulele and piano to flute and bells. Her love and passion for music translates through her students in the vocal and bell choirs.
“I love teaching Music because wholesome music can be a powerful influence for the right. It can be a beautiful form of worship that brings us into the atmosphere of heaven,” Mrs. Buell says. “It is very rewarding to lead the students in learning how to make music for the glory of God, and I want them to always have a song in their hearts.”
Mrs. Buell also collaborates with the teaching staff to incorporate nature into learning. Her students have established a garden on campus where they are growing closer to their Creator through His second book of nature.
“I love teaching Outdoor Education as it is an effective form of learning about our Creator and finding the lessons and treasures that He has plentifully scattered throughout the natural world,” Mrs. Buell says. “When rightly understood in the light of the Bible, the things of nature are a means of continually drawing our thoughts to God. I value being part of a school that puts priority on including nature and garden care into its curriculum.”
Julie Pittman, PE & Substitute Teacher
M.Ed. Special Education - In Progress
B.S. Elementary Education, Minor in Physical Education
Mrs. Pittman has 13 years of experience serving as a substitute teacher and several additional years of experience serving as an art therapist for students in grades K-6. She is passionate about sports and teaching students how to care for their bodies through physical education and positive choices.
Jackie Tantrarungrot, Kindergarten Aide
Miss Jackie has 15 years of experience working with young children in supervisory and teacher assistant roles. She has completed certifications in Child Development, CPR/First Aid, and Classroom Management. She provides valuable support for the implementation of the kindergarten program and is a positive Christian asset to the K-2 classroom.
Heather Slikkers, Bible Labs Coordinator
Bible Labs involves engaging students in outreach initiatives, such as raking leaves in the yards of our neighbors, collecting items for Christmas boxes, coordinating nursing home visits, and sending encouraging cards to church members, among many other things.
Paula Olsen, Secretary
Mrs. Olsen is everything you could ask for in a school secretary! In addition to being friendly and helpful, her previous experience working in an office setting has equipped her with exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills.